Chapter 14 Summary

Marshal Zhukov is the USSR's leading war hero, restored from exile by Khrushchev after Stalin's death, and named defense minister in 1955, candidate member of the Presidium in 1957, and full member after playing a key role in defeating the "anti-Party group." Zhukov is a frequent visitor to the Khrushchev dacha and seemingly safe in his position for as long as Khrushchev leads the party. The invitations to the Crimea, however, are intended to keep an eye on Zhukov as Khrushchev plots his elimination. As Zhukov sets out on a political mission in the Balkans, Khrushchev meets with other generals and KGB chief Serov to make sure he has their support, and then gets the Central Committee to pass a resolution condemning Zhukov. No one speaks in the marshal's defense when he returns to Moscow and pleads to save his career. The charges are planning to seize power, undercutting...